It's great to see that while racist bigots are making such inroads in
the United States since the Bush regime seized power, there are still
some organizations which oppose bigotry. Ironically, the Kraft
corporation donated large amounts of cash to the Bush regime's political
campaigns.
Since this is such an outstanding example of opposing hatred and
bigotry, the Dark Wind Project has added the article to its web site.
The statement of supporting equality for all American
citizens whether they're black, white, brown, gay, straight,
or whatever, is what America is supposed to be about.
Kraft Foods Tells Hate Mongering Bigots to Shove It
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2005/5/26/11457/4344
The following was an email to employees from Kraft Foods EVP Marc
Firestone:
From: Marc Firestone, Executive Vice President, Corporate Counsel and
Corporate Secretary, Kraft Foods Inc.
Subject: Kraft's Contribution to 2006 Gay Games
The true test of any commitment is how you respond when challenged.
Kraft is experiencing this to a degree right now, as a result of our
decision to be one of several contributors to the 2006 Gay Games in
Chicago. The games will bring together thousands of athletes in a
competition that will take place in our corporate hometown.
In recent days, the company has received many e-mails, the majority of
them generated through the America Family Association, which objects to
our sponsorship. We also have received calls and e-mails - - not as
many, but equally passionate - - thanking us for supporting this event.
A member of Chicago Mayor Richard Daley's team said, "We applaud the
businesses that are sponsors of the Gay Games, including Kraft Foods."
You may have questions or might have had questions from friends and
family about our contribution to this event. While Kraft certainly
doesn't go looking for controversy, we have long been dedicated to
support the concept and the reality of diversity. It's the right thing
to do and it's good for our business and our work environment.
Diversity makes us a stronger company and connects us with the
diversity that exists among the consumers who buy our products.
Diversity is more than a word many people like to say. At Kraft we
truly respect all kinds of differences. And diversity is not a
selective concept. By definition, it's nothing if not inclusive. We
respect diversity of ethnicity, gender, experience, background,
personal style and yes, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Recognizing, respecting and valuing these differences helps us be a
more successful business and a workplace where all employees can
realize their full potential.
For more than a decade, we have had employee councils that promote our
awareness of diversity. The newest of our nine diversity councils is
the Rainbow Council, which strives to provide a forum for support and
networking among gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender employees;
raise awareness within Kraft and promote involvement in the community.
Each council has an executive sponsor and I have been the Rainbow
Council's sponsor since last year.
Through all of our councils, we support various initiatives that
demonstrate how strongly we believe in diversity, through involvement
in the community. Our sponsorship of the 2006 Gay Games is one of
almost 1,700 cash and in-kind grants we make annually.
It can be difficult when we are criticized. It's easy to say you
support a concept or a principle when nobody objects. The real test of
commitment is how one reacts when there are those who disagree. I hope
you share my view that our company has taken the right stand on
diversity, including its contribution to the 2006 Gay Games in Chicago.
While all the opinions expressed here are those of their authors, take
note that these opinions may or may not be accurate or covering all
aspects of the subject they address. Since they're opinions, you should
do your own homework to determine how accurate and complete they are.
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